I write to address and reiterate the importance of Good Samaritan laws having a more clear and progressive approach to protecting bystanders and the endangered person involved in a dangerous situation due to alcohol or drug use.
I have personal experience with a situation where Good Samaritan laws proved their importance.
It was Halloween weekend my freshman year. Given the reputation of this specific weekend in Madison, my friends and I had been looking forward to it all week.
Little did we know, it would be one of the most unforgettable weekends of our college experiences thus far—for all the wrong reasons.
On Saturday night, instead of going with the rest of our group to Freakfest, my friend and I decided to stay at the house party we were drinking at. The next thing I remember is being in the bathroom and my friend slumped over on the floor, unconscious.
After attempting to wake her up by splashing her with cold water, people outside the door realized something was wrong and came in to give help. Meanwhile, my other friends had returned from Freakfest and were trying to assist the situation as well.
Realizing things were out of our control and that our friend needed medical attention, the decision was made to call 911. The ambulance arrived, the first responders were directed upstairs and my friend was rushed to the hospital. We then made the walk to UW Hospital where my friend was being taken care of with a 0.32 blood alcohol content. The legal BAC is 0.08.
If we had not called 911, we do not know if my friend would have just woken up the next morning with a raging hangover or not woken up at all.
Thankfully, our decision to make that call was without question due to those around us knowing about the Good Samaritan laws.
Even though my friends and I were partaking in underage drinking at that party, no tickets were issued. While this may not be the case for all situations of this type, it is still crucial that more people are aware that these laws exist.
It surprises me—and frankly worries me—that people are unaware they will be protected when calling for the sake of someone’s safety.
The fact that this unawareness may lead to people not calling for help when someone is in danger is concerning.
It is important that the university, UW Police Department and Madison Police Department take steps to clarify and express Good Samaritan laws in order to encourage getting help when a situation turns serious.
The well-being of a person should not be compromised by the fear of the caller or the victim getting in trouble with the law. An increased awareness of Good Samaritan laws is crucial to the safety of this campus.
What are your thoughts on the Good Samaritan laws on campus and in Madison? Are they broad enough to instill confidence within callers reporting an incident? Or do they discourage the community from getting help for someone who needs it? Please send any and all questions, comments and concerns to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
